2 Corinthians 1:12

Authorized King James Version

For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Word-by-Word Analysis

Ἡ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

καύχησις

G2746

rejoicing

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

ἡμῶν

G2257

of our

of (or from) us

αὕτη

G3778

this

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστίν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μαρτύριον

G3142

the testimony

something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

συνειδήσεως

G4893

conscience

co-perception, i.e., moral consciousness

#11

ἡμῶν

G2257

of our

of (or from) us

#12

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#13

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#14

ἁπλότητι

G572

simplicity

singleness, i.e., (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal)

#15

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#16

εἰλικρινείᾳ

G1505

sincerity

clearness, i.e., (by implication) purity (figuratively)

#17

θεοῦ

G2316

godly

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#18

οὐκ

G3756

not

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

#19

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#20

σοφίᾳ

G4678

wisdom

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

#21

σαρκικῇ

G4559

fleshly

pertaining to flesh, i.e., (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate

#22

ἀλλ'

G235

but

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

#23

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#24

χάριτι

G5485

the grace

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

#25

θεοῦ

G2316

godly

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#26

ἀνεστράφημεν

G390

we have had our conversation

to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live

#27

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#28

τῷ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#29

κόσμῳ

G2889

the world

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

#30

περισσοτέρως

G4056

more abundantly

more superabundantly

#31

δὲ

G1161

and

but, and, etc

#32

πρὸς

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

#33

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you-ward

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing grace relates to the doctrine of soteriology and God's unmerited favor in salvation and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 2 Corinthians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes grace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding grace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of grace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?